Safety Tips for Sleeping Babies

Babies spend a lot of time sleeping, so it is important to provide a safe sleep environment for them. Any parent is anxious to make their baby as comfortable during sleep as possible. However, some common steps for a cozy bed may increase the chance of serious problems.

Certain items in and around the crib can be a suffocation hazard to infants. These items may be harmless to older children but infants have smaller airways and less head control. This means they may not be able to reposition themselves if their access to air is blocked, even by something as simple as a blanket. Fortunately, there are a few easy steps to make your baby's sleep environment much safer without disturbing your baby's sleep.

Making Your Baby’s Bed Safe

All parents and caregivers should be aware of the possible hazards associated with sleeping.

Here are some tips to making your baby's sleep safer from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Place Your Baby in a Safe Position

When putting a baby less than one year of age to sleep, make sure that you place the baby on his or her back. Sleeping on the stomach has been associated with
sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Children under 6 months old are at increased risk because they are unable to reposition themselves.

Note: When your child is awake, it is okay for your baby to have supervised play time on their belly. This will help your baby develop some posture muscles.

Avoid Sleep Surfaces That Are Too Soft

Do not place the baby to sleep on a soft surface such as:

Waterbed

Sofa

Soft mattress

Pillow

Make Sure the Crib Is Safe

A safe crib will have:

No missing or broken hardware, and slats no more than 2-3/8" apart

No corner posts over 1/16" high

No cutout designs in the headboard or footboard

A firm, tight-fitting mattress

A safety certification seal

Remove Soft Bedding

Remove soft products from the baby’s crib such as:

Loose blankets or sheets—consider using a sleeper or other sleep clothing instead of blankets

Pillows

Quilts

Comforters

Sheepskins

Bumper pads

Stuffed toys

Sleep positioners. They are unnecessary and pose a danger.

Note: Use only a fitted bottom sheet specifically made for the mattress.

Make Sure the Mesh-Sided Crib or Play-Pen Is Safe

For mesh-sided cribs or playpens, look for:

Mesh less than 1/4 inch in size, smaller than the tiny buttons on a baby's clothing

Mesh with no tears, holes, or loose threads that could entangle a baby

Mesh that is securely attached to top rail and floor plate

Top rail cover with no tears or holes

If staples are used, make sure they are not missing, loose, or exposed

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

A Parent's Guide to Safe Sleep from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx.
Updated June 20, 2014. Accessed October 23, 2014.